As the name implies, the People of the Water were connected to the ocean, either living near or in it. They are apparently an almost extinct clan, with Lizabeth, Ship, and Lizabeth's parents Kyle and Meredith as the only known remaining descendants. The Marina Group also suggested May and Max were possibly descendants after the former dreamed of Samiya and Manaphy.

The People of the Water possessed advanced technology, having constructed the Sea Crown and Samiya, the so-called "Sea Temple". Ship guided his family, Ash and his friends to an ancient ruin site that contained a dome decorated with murals depicting the legends of Samiya and the People of the Water. They wear special crystals, either as necklaces or bracelets, that can activate these technologies, which range from opening doors to keeping the Sea Temple from sinking. During the events of the movie, May was given a crystal mark from Lizabeth.

The Phantom appears to be very knowledgeable about the People of the Water and even obtained one of their special crystals prior to the movie.